Online Reporter
Zimpapers Politics Hub
THE Zimbabwe Youth Council, in partnership with the Agricultural Youth Desk, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, will be holding elections for the newly established National Youth in Agriculture Apex Association.
Among the top contenders for key positions are Legacy TV director Cde Pardon Mangwende, BoysdzaMudara chairperson Cde Hopewell Chako, and Cde Tapuwanashe Allin Manyange, among others.
Cde Mangwende is contesting the chairmanship position, while Cde Chako is vying for the vice chairman and Cde Manyange is contesting the position of Secretary General.
Zanu PF Central Committee member and businessman Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei is the patron of the association.
“Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC) in partnership with the Agricultural Youth Desk, Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, hereby invites eligible registered youth farmer and value-chain actors to stand for elections as association nominees for various positions within the Agricultural Youth/ farmer club ecosystem, in line with good governance principles used in regional and international association/Farmer Club practice,” reads the circular from the Zimbabwe Youth Council.
The Zimbabwe Youth Council states that there is need to ensure transparent, accountable, inclusive, and merit-based leadership recruitment.
The elections will be held on June 26, 2026. The contesting candidates must be 35 years old and below at the time of nomination/election.
According to the circular, the candidate must be a practical farmer and/or an active actor in agriculture value chains.
Youth Service Zimbabwe graduates will receive priority consideration where all other eligibility criteria are met.
Cde Chako said he was ready for the challenge.
“If elected, I want to add value to the association in line with Vision 2030,” said Cde Chako.
“The apex council will make sure the agriculture thrives in all aspects as we push for Vision 2030,” said Cde Mangwende.
